One of the more popular uses for cannabidiol (CBD) is for supporting sleep. While research in this area is still in its infancy, there is some interesting evidence that can help you adjust your CBD regimen to your needs. Let’s learn how to best use CBD for sleep support.
CBD is all about timing and dose
Cannabis use has always been associated with sleep, drowsiness, and similar effects. However, most of this attention has been focused on THC, the intoxicating component of cannabis.
CBD, on the other hand, is non-intoxicating and interacts with our body in different ways. Research has shown that CBD naturally supports our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Through this action, regular CBD use can help normalize our circadian rhythm. This creates more stability in our daily cycles.
Depending on the amount of CBD you take, some people experience either a mildly stimulating or sedating effect. Lower doses of CBD can be stimulating, which is better in the mornings or during the day. If used to support improved sleep, research has shown that higher doses of CBD (above 40mg) may have a more sedative effect.
Additionally, CBD is generally well-tolerated by users and has shown no risk of abuse or addiction.
Other benefits of CBD that affect sleep
Aside from supporting our sleep-wake cycles, CBD has other effects that can help indirectly improve sleep quality.
First, CBD has been shown to help reduce occasional stress and anxiousness. This is because our ECS manages our body’s reaction to stress, and CBD supports our ECS. For example, a study from 2019 showed that CBD improved reported anxiety and sleep scores in 72 adults (Shannon 2019).
Additionally, CBD can help improve mental clarity, focus, and energy. While energy may not be what you want right at bedtime, incorporating CBD into your day may help you be more focused and productive, helping clear your mind when it comes time to sleep.
CBD has also shown an ability to reduce the severity of symptoms from conditions like PTSD and restless leg syndrome that affect both sleep quality and broader quality of life (Babson et al 2017).
While the mounting evidence is by no means conclusive, new research continues to reinforce the role that our ECS plays in a variety of health conditions including sleep and sleep disorders. Additionally, CBD, by supporting a healthy ECS, holds the potential for therapeutic use in many common health situations.
More research, please!
While there is some research supporting the potential benefits of CBD for sleep support (and myriad other uses), all the researchers agree: more studies are needed.
More research will provide many benefits. It will help create dosing standards for CBD products, for a variety of conditions. Research will help educate doctors and consumers alike. Finally, it will reinforce quality standards in the CBD industry.
While many companies have lower standards, companies that strive for consistency and quality in their products will undoubtedly gain trust from their consumers for reliable and effective results.
At Danodan, we test and verify every batch of our products. We know that people use our hemp flower infusions to support a wide variety of health-related circumstances. We want to ensure that our products are effective, consistent, and reliable, to help improve quality of life every day.
Want to learn more about how to use your Danodan more effectively? Check out this article!
References:
Babson KA, Sottile J, Morabito D. Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep: a review of the literature. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017;19(4):23.
Shannon S. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series. permj. Published online 2019.
Achieving Mental Clarity with CBD. CBD Health and Wellness. Available at: https://cbdhealthandwellness.net/2018/10/31/achieving-mental-clarity-with-cbd/
